Cardiovascular Risk Profile of Nivolumab Anti-cancer Therapy: A Review of Current Literature.

Summary: Nivolumab is a powerful drug used to fight various cancers, including melanoma and lung cancer, by boosting the body's immune system. However, this strength can be a double-edged sword. A recent review of medical literature highlights that while effective against tumors, Nivolumab can sometimes cause the immune system to attack the heart. This condition, known as myocarditis, can lead to shortness of breath, palpitations, and fatigue. Other rare but serious heart issues, such as "broken heart syndrome" (Takotsubo cardiomyopathy) and irregular heartbeats, have also been reported. The key takeaway for patients and doctors is teamwork: close collaboration between cancer specialists and heart specialists is essential to catch these side effects early and keep treatment safe.